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714.628.5041
[email protected]
PROGRAM APPROVAL APPLICATION
NEW or SUBSTANTIAL CHANGE or LOCALLY APPROVED
(This application may not exceed 3 pages)
Fill In Form
Biotechnology
Fall 2016
Proposed Program Title
Projected Program Start Date
Citrus College
Citrus Community College District
College
District
Contact Information
Jim Lancaster
Dean of Curriculum, Career/Technical, & Continuing Ed.
Voting Member
Title
626-852-6403
[email protected]
Phone Number
Email
Goal(s) of Program (Check all that apply):
Career Technical Education (CTE)
Transfer
Other
Type of Program (Check all that apply):
Certificate of Achievement 12-17 (or 17-27 quarter) units
Certificate of Achievement 18+ semester (or 27+ quarter) units
Associate of Science Degree
Associate of Arts Degree
Reason for Approval Request (Check One):
New Program
Substantial Change
Locally Approved
Program Information
0430.00
Recommended Taxonomy of Program (TOP) Code
29-30
Units for Major-Degree
54-69
Total Units for Degree
N/A
Required Units-Certificate
Written Form
1. Insert the description of the program as it will appear in the catalog. (See PCAH pp. 142 and 170)
Biotechnology involves the application of biology to develop new products and technologies to combat disease,
reduce our environmental impact, provide cleaner fuel sources, improve food production, and create safer industrial
processes. The Citrus College Biotechnology A.S. degree includes a mix of basic science courses and hands-on
laboratory classes designed to provide essential technical training and experiences necessary to thrive in this growing
industry. Students will gain the conceptual knowledge, practical skills, and confidence to obtain entry-level
employment as biological technicians, manufacturing production technicians, quality control technicians, and
environmental monitoring technicians in bioscience laboratories and companies. The program emphasizes work
readiness skills, such as resume writing, teamwork, and communication. This degree is intended for students who
wish to enter the workforce upon completion.
Revised Monday, February 01, 2016
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2. Provide a brief rationale for the program.
In the fall of 2015, Citrus College launched a biotechnology program offering a Certificate of Achievement in
Biomanufacturing. The response from Citrus students and our local industry partners, such as Grifols Biologicals,
Prolacta Bioscience, and Gilead Sciences, has been overwhelming positive. The first course in the certificate filled
during the Fall 2015 registration period within 48 hours with a full wait list. A second offering in the Winter 2016
intersession also filled quickly. Many of the students currently working toward the Biomanufacturing Certificate have
expressed interest in completing an associate’s degree in biotechnology. From the industry perspective, our business
advisory partners indicate that students with an associate’s degree would be competitive for career advancement
opportunities. Ultimately, companies like Grifols are moving to hire entry-level candidates with a two-year degree.
3. Summarize the Labor Market Information (LMI) and employment outlook (including citation for the source of
the data) for students exiting the program. (See PCAH pp. 85-88, 136, 147, 148, 165, 168, and 176)
The California Community College’s Centers of Excellence for Labor Market Research and the Life Sciences/Biotech
Initiative recently undertook an analysis of supply and demand for bioscience technicians, who do not possess a
bachelor’s degree (referred to as middle skills workers). Their October 2014 report titled “Supply and Demand
Analysis: Life Sciences and Biotech Middle Skills Workforce in California” examined labor market data supplied by
Economic Modeling Specialists Intl. (EMSI) and Burning Glass. The group found that community colleges in Los
Angeles County supply a total of 31 workforce-ready trainees annually—under supplying the local biotechnology labor
market by at least 245 middle skills workers each year. Based on the labor market figures, projections indicate an
additional 12% growth for middle skills technicians in the Los Angeles area over the next 5 years. Furthermore, our
advisors, including Grifols Biologicals, Gilead Sciences, and Prolacta Bioscience, anticipate hiring at least 100 entrylevel technicians locally in the next couple of years (November 2014 advisory meeting).
Completion of an associate’s degree in biotechnology will better position our students to secure available high-wage
positions in the local industry. According to the Biotech Middle Skills report, median hourly wages for biological
technicians is $20 across the state. In the Los Angeles region, the hourly wage can rise to over $29 for manufacturing
technicians. Overall, the average salary across the bioscience industry in Los Angeles County is $72,052 annually,
which is significantly higher than the average private sector salary of $52,029. These data were reported in the 2014
report titled “Feasibility Assessment and Master Plan for Advancing the Bioscience Industry Cluster in Los Angeles
County” by the Battelle Technology Partnership Practice. Given the labor shortage across the region, projected
growth in our local catchment area, and high-wage opportunities, Citrus College proposes to bolster the STEM
workforce by offering an associate’s degree in biotechnology.
4. List similar programs at other colleges in the Los Angeles and Orange County Region which may be
adversely impacted. (There is space for 10 listings, if you need more, please contact [email protected])
College
Program
Fullerton College
LA Trade Technical College
Pasadena City College
Santa Ana College
Biological Technician A.S.
Biotechnology A.S. & Cert.
Biological Technology Cert.
Biotechnology Technician
Certificate
Biotechnology A.S. & Cert.
Biotechnology
Santiago Canyon College
Irvine Valley College
Who You Contacted
Dr. Jo Wu
Dr. Martin Diaz
Outcome of Contact
Dr. Kathleen Takahashi
Contacted, no response
Supports
Supports
Supports
Dr. Denise Foley
Dr. Emalee Mackenzie
Supports
Supports
Dr. Pamela Eversole-Cire
Revised Monday, February 01, 2016
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714.628.5041
[email protected]
5. List all courses required for program completion, including core requirements, restricted electives and
prerequisites. (There is space for 20 listings, if you need more, please contact laocrc.sccollege.edu).
(See PCAH pp. 143 and 171)
Courses
Course Number
Required Course (Alternative to BIOT
108)
Required Course (Alternative to BIOT
107)
Required Course
BIOT 107
Required Course
BIOT 150
Required Course
Required Course
Required Course (Alternative to
CHEM 111/112)
Required Course (Alternative to
CHEM 103/104)
BIOT 125
MATH 165
CHEM 103 and
CHEM 104
CHEM 111 and
CHEM 112
BIOT 108
BIOT 110
Course Title
Units
Biotechnology: Transforming Society Through
Biology
Intro to Biotechnology: Real World Biology
Applications
Biotechnology I: Basic Lab Skills and
Documentation
Biotechnology II: Biomanufacturing & Quality
Principles
Quality & Regulatory Practices in Biotechnology
Introductory Statistics
College Chemistry (series of two courses)
General Chemistry (series of two courses)
3.0
4.0
5.0
4.0
3.0
4.0
5.0
(each)
5.0
(each)
6. Include any other information you would like to share.
Revised Monday, February 01, 2016